Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we enter the final months of this year, I’m filled with deep gratitude and excitement for everything happening at The Common Place (TCP). Our vision for a thriving, connected, and empowered Southwest Philadelphia is becoming a reality, and it’s all thanks to YOU—our incredible community of donors, volunteers, and partners. Together, we are planting seeds of hope and watching them grow.
This year has been a season of expansion and transformation at TCP. Our afterschool program continues to provide 30 scholars with daily academic support, enrichment activities, and a safe space to grow and thrive. We’re also deeply invested in tackling food insecurity in our community. Through our food justice ministry and our newly established garden at Southwest Presbyterian Church, we’ve harvested nearly 400 pounds of fresh produce, ensuring that families in our neighborhood have access to healthy food.
In addition to these programs, TCP has become a true hub for the community—offering spiritual direction, mental health services, tutoring, and even a GED program to support personal and educational growth for our neighbors. It’s been a joy to watch our space come alive with the energy and passion of those we serve, and we’ve also had the pleasure of welcoming new faces through events like our inaugural Homecoming in October. The love, support, and generosity we felt that night were nothing short of inspiring!
Now, as we look ahead to 2025, we’re ready to take things even further. But to continue this vital work, we need your help. We’ve set an ambitious yet achievable goal to raise $50,000 by the end of the year, and I know we can do it with your support. These funds are crucial to sustaining our programs—everything from scholarships for our afterschool scholars to the expansion of our food sovereignty efforts.
Whether you’ve supported us financially before or are considering giving for the first time, know that every dollar makes a difference. You’re not just contributing to a program—you’re investing in the future of Southwest Philadelphia. You’re helping children grow into their potential, ensuring families have access to healthy food, and empowering individuals to pursue their dreams.
Beyond financial contributions, we also invite you to get involved through volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s helping with our food distribution program, supporting our garden projects, or mentoring a student, there are so many ways to lend a hand and be part of this movement.
Together, we are building more than just a community center. As I’ve said before, this is a movement, and we are just getting started. The future is bright for TCP, but we can’t do it alone. Your generosity will help us continue making a lasting impact in the lives of countless families and individuals.
I invite you to be a part of this transformative work. Please consider making a donation today by visiting tcpphilly.org/give. Your gift, no matter the size, will ensure we can keep growing, serving, and thriving together.
Blessings,
Christopher J. Holland II, Executive Director – The Common Place
